WPP has appointed Mark Taylor as its new Chief People Officer, tasking him with leading the company’s global talent strategy as part of its ongoing transformation.

The appointment aligns with CEO Cindy Rose’s Elevate28 turnaround plan, which focuses on simplifying operations and driving long-term growth. Taylor joins from The Lego Group, where he served as chief people adviser, bringing extensive experience across organisations, including Burberry and King.

He will join WPP’s executive committee and lead efforts to reshape the company’s culture and people strategy globally. Rose described his track record in enterprise transformation as critical to delivering the group’s next phase of growth.

As part of the transition, Marie-Claire Barker will move into a focused role as Chief People Officer for performance and culture, reporting to Taylor and concentrating on employee experience initiatives.

The appointment follows another senior hire within the week, with Anne-Isabelle Choueiri joining from The Estée Lauder Companies as Chief Transformation Officer. Both moves form part of WPP’s effort to reposition the business after recent financial pressure.

The company reported an 8.1 per cent revenue decline in late 2024 and is targeting stabilisation by 2026, with a return to sustained growth expected by 2028.

Despite the challenges, WPP has shown signs of recovery. In the first quarter of 2026, the group led new business rankings with $820 million in wins, including major accounts such as Jaguar Land Rover and SC Johnson.

Taylor’s appointment signals WPP’s renewed focus on building a high-performance culture as it navigates a critical phase in its transformation.